What Is Banchan?

Definition: Banchan

January 13, 2010

Banchan (pronounced "bonchon") refers to the assorted sides served alongside a main course in Korean cuisine. About a half dozen banchan are served at any meal; the best known are kimchi — pickled dishes, made of either fermented cabbage (baechu), daikon radish (mu), or other vegetables like scallions (pa) — although they might also include japchae (glass noodles), marinated tofu, or even American potato salad.

Typically served in small portions that are meant to be finished (and replenished if necessary) at every meal, banchan are shared amongst everyone at the table. My favorite banchan is ggakdugi, or kak tu gi, the spicy diced radish kimchi. What's yours?

13 Comments

2 years 40 weeks

hi there, banchan is pronounced as that, banchan, not bonchon. at best like barn-charn but definitely NOT bonchon.

sharshar 3 years 17 weeks

I really love kimchi. When I can't eat it as is, I just mix it with fried rice and get a really good bokkeumbap :)

Spectra 3 years 18 weeks

I really like kimchi, but I'd really like to try some of those other dishes you mentioned. I suppose if I like kimchi, I'm bound to like some of the others.

and jane says 3 years 18 weeks

love this! im very excited that you featured something korean! i am currently teaching english abroad in korea now, and i am learning about many of korea's wonderful cuisines as well! i even ventured WAY out of my comfort zone last night and tried dogmeat. also known as BO SHIN TANG, which comes served in a stew. very similar to goatmeat, but let's just say i'd probably never order again. when in rome, right??anyways there are many other wonderful foods korea has to offer... let me know if you ever are interested in featuring more!!

and jane says 3 years 18 weeks

love this! im very excited that you featured something korean! i am currently teaching english abroad in korea now, and i am learning about many of korea's wonderful cuisines as well! i even ventured WAY out of my comfort zone last night and tried dogmeat. also known as BO SHIN TANG, which comes served in a stew. very similar to goatmeat, but let's just say i'd probably never order again. when in rome, right?? anyways there are many other wonderful foods korea has to offer... let me know if you ever are interested in featuring more!!

isahrangme 3 years 18 weeks

the a's in banchan is pronounced as in "ah", not the long o. the written pronunciation here is a bit confusing. but i'm very excited you featured something korean!

nutella2683 3 years 18 weeks

Yum and Party, please feature some Korean recipes in the future!! Special request for soon doo boo chigae! Tofu (veg) please, not seafood mix. :)

nutella2683 3 years 18 weeks

I love it all!! At my favorite K-Town restaurant here in NYC, Kunjip, serves a sort of scrambled egg in a hot pot after the cold ban chan AMAZING! I highly recommend the place btw.I was served American potato salad at a different place in Ktown.. pretty good.

nutella2683 3 years 18 weeks

I love it all!! At my favorite K-Town restaurant here in NYC, Kunjip, serves a sort of scrambled egg in a hot pot after the cold ban chan AMAZING! I highly recommend the place btw. I was served American potato salad at a different place in Ktown.. pretty good.

brilliance13 3 years 18 weeks

kaktu gi! too!

brilliance13 3 years 18 weeks

kaktu gi! too!

AbbyHintz 3 years 18 weeks

I love all kimchi, but I like the traditional baechu best. I also really like the pickled cucumbers (not sure of their Korean name). At our local Korean restaurant, they often serve a potato dish, like potato salad or cold mashed potatoes. I like these much better than those cold potato cubes (gamja jorim)

neonbrite 3 years 18 weeks

Kimchi and I have never been served American style potato salad

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